Launch Your Career in Public Affairs with the USDA in Florida

Are you a communications professional with a passion for public service? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently seeking a talented Public Affairs Specialist to join the Rural Development team in Florida. This is a unique opportunity to shape the narrative of critical programs that provide housing, infrastructure, and economic support to rural communities across the Sunshine State.

Job Responsibilities

As a Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Florida State Office, you will be the bridge between agency initiatives and the public. Your core duties include:

Strategic Planning: Designing and executing comprehensive public affairs programs that align with state and national mission objectives.
Outreach & Engagement: Developing brochures, news releases, and informational materials to enhance public understanding of Rural Development resources.
Advisor Role: Analyzing program needs and advising the State Director on the best communication approaches to reach target audiences.
Event Management: Organizing workshops, meetings, and forums to facilitate public and employee participation.
Content Creation: Writing reports to Congress, developing speeches, and managing web-based content.

Requirements

Candidates must meet stringent federal hiring requirements to be considered. These include:

U.S. citizenship or national status.
Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
Passing a thorough background investigation.
Adherence to the two-page resume limit.
Specific specialized experience or equivalent graduate education commensurate with the GS-9, GS-11, or GS-12 grade levels.

Salary & Grade Comparison

This position offers a competitive salary structure ranging from $61,722 to $123,927 per year, depending on qualifications and grade level.

Feature	Details
Position Grade	GS-9 to GS-12
Salary Range	$61,722 - $123,927
Promotion Potential	Up to GS-12
Work Schedule	Full-time

Benefits

Joining the federal workforce provides access to a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Robust retirement planning, including FERS and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Flexible work arrangements and telework opportunities.

Application Tips

To succeed, focus on documenting your specialized experience clearly. Ensure your resume reflects all required data points, including hours worked per week and specific dates. Do not exceed the two-page limit, as this is a strict disqualification criterion. Finally, stay engaged with your USAJOBS account to ensure all assessments are completed promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What if my resume is longer than two pages? A: Your application will be removed from consideration. Keep your resume concise and focused on the relevant major duties listed.

Q: Is relocation assistance offered? A: Relocation expenses are not typically provided for this position.

Q: How will I know if I need to take the USA Hire assessment? A: You will be notified via email and through your application status page if an assessment is required.

If you have the skills to drive communication strategy and a desire to serve rural Florida, this Public Affairs Specialist position is your next big move. Apply today to contribute to the long-term success and growth of rural communities through the power of effective communication.

Why This Public Affairs Specialst Job Matters

Shape the narrative of rural progress in Florida—join USDA Rural Development as a Public Affairs Specialist and turn complex community initiatives into powerful stories of growth.

Public Affairs Specialst Job Overview

The USDA Rural Development State Office is seeking a strategic Public Information Officer to champion the agency's mission across Florida. This role serves as the central voice for our investment programs, managing high-impact communication plans that support essential infrastructure, housing, and economic development in rural communities. You will work closely with leadership to develop outreach strategies, manage media relations, and translate complex federal programs into clear, actionable information for the public and stakeholders.

Requirements for Public Affairs Specialst

U.S. Citizenship or National status.
Registration with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).
Ability to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
Mandatory direct deposit for all federal compensation.
Successful completion of an E-Verify employment check.
Completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period upon appointment.
Submission of academic transcripts if education is used to qualify.
Maximum two-page limit for your resume.

Preferred Qualifications for Public Affairs Specialst

Demonstrated experience in planning and directing public affairs programs.
Proven expertise in writing speeches, annual reports, and web-based content.
Strong ability to analyze and advise management on communication strategies.
Experience in media relations and developing informational campaigns for diverse audiences.
Familiarity with rural development program goals and stakeholder engagement.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave policies
✓Federal retirement benefits and supplemental savings plans
✓Flexible work arrangements and alternative schedules
✓Flexible spending accounts
✓Long-term care insurance options

💡 How to Apply Public Affairs Specialst Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Public Affairs Specialst Job

Log into your USAJOBS account and review the full announcement.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, highlighting relevant experience and education.
Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts and any required SF-50 forms.
Click the Apply Online button and complete all mandatory questionnaires.
Submit your complete application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Monitor your email for a unique link if USA Hire assessments are required.
Complete any necessary assessments within the specified timeframe.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be excluded.
Clearly define your work history, including hours per week, series, and grade levels for all federal roles.
Review your application status frequently via your USAJOBS account to track document receipt and assessment completion.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for assessments, request it as early as possible within the application process.
Verify that all uploaded documents are under 5MB and in accepted formats (PDF, TXT, DOC, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of the Public Affairs Specialist role?

You will serve as the Public Information Officer for the Florida State Office, responsible for planning and executing communications that promote USDA Rural Development programs and objectives.

Are there specific education requirements for this position?

Yes, depending on the GS grade level you are applying for, you may qualify through specialized experience, graduate education, or a combination of both. Check the specific grade-level requirements in the job description.

Can I work remotely?

The position offers telework eligibility based on agency policy, but it is not a fully remote position and requires physical presence for certain office duties and stakeholder interactions.

Job from Agriculture, Rural Development

The USDA Rural Development Agency is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all rural Americans. Through more than 80 loan and grant programs, the agency invests in essential public facilities such as water systems, health clinics, housing, and telecommunications. With a dedicated workforce of nearly 4,000 employees, the agency fosters a collaborative, results-driven environment that values compassion, energy, and community impact.